The pros and cons debate of metal roofing is not a new discussion but it is a somewhat lengthy one. When analyzing metal roof pros and cons, you will need to consider homeowners’ experience with it, as well as the opinions of roofing and construction professionals.
In this article, many metal roof pros and cons will be discussed and whether you should begin installing metal roofing for your home or commercial space.
Metal Roofing Advantages
Design
One of the many things to look at in the pros of sheet metal roofing is the visual aesthetic. While some home or business owners tend to lean towards metal roofing material for its sleek appeal, there are some who find it to look too ‘industrial’ for their taste.
Nonetheless, there are ways around customizing your metal roof and that is with metal roof colours. The option of this customization brings the aesthetic from con to a pro because you can truly make it ‘yours’ when it comes to metal roof installation.
Associated with the design are the materials used for tin roofing (aka metal roofing). For example, if you wanted to have metal roofing completed on your house roof, the installer/builder would use metal shingles. Whereas the materials used for other metal roofing installation could be corrugated metal or steel roofing sheets.
What makes the use of these materials advantageous within metal roofing installation is that these materials will reflect the heat and keep the cold air out, making metal materials a cost-efficient roofing option. Additionally, eco-metal roofing (since metal is recyclable and reusable) is more environmentally-friendly than non-metal shingle options.
Savings
Metal roof panels reflect the sun’s heat away from your home, leading to energy savings of about 50% per bill in a household. Metal roofs also remain much cooler on the surface than traditional asphalt roofs. Scientifically speaking, the metal materials of the roof reflect the radiant heat coming from the sun and minimize midday heat coming inside your home. This makes metal roof panels better for generally hot climates.
Lifespan and Warranty
Given the strength of a metal roof and metal siding, the lifespan of a metal roof is much longer than that of an asphalt roof. When it is properly installed by a professional, a metal roof should last as long as the house itself. Metal is also resistant to fire, insects (such as termites), and mildew leading to rot.
Many metal roof installations come with a warranty of anywhere between 20 years and 50 years.
Weather Battling: Snow Shedding
A metal roof will provide the maximum shedding of snow and rain. Metal materials are virtually impervious to harsh rain and snow because of metal’s nonporous nature. In addition, dark tones of metal roofing quickly warm up in the snow, encouraging quicker snowmelt. Thus, choosing the colour of your metal roof is not just a matter of aesthetics.
RELATED ARTICLE: Metal roof snow guards
Metal Roofing Disadvantages
Cost
When you compare the cost of asphalt roofing to that of metal roofing there is a noticeable difference. While asphalt is the more affordable option you will also find yourself in need of repairs or replacement of these shingles sooner and more often than metal roofing. When choosing the latter of the two you will invest in your roof and save on your energy bill within your home as well.
The average metal roofing cost is as follows:
Basic metal roof prices for installation: $5.50 and $12 per sq. foot.
Metal roof shingle prices for installation: $7 to -$10 per sq. foot installed.
It will cost around $9 to $12 per sq. foot
So how can you SAVE with metal roofing? Well, because of the material’s long-term durability, the thing is that you ultimately save the difference if you choose to stay in the house for a long time and keep up with the needed season maintenance. However, if you choose to move to a different house your investment will not be the same fiscally.
RELATED ARTICLE: Metal Roofing Installation Costs in 2020
Noise
Imagine the sounds of rain and hail hitting the roof of a car or tin awning. Well, these noises are similar when it comes to metal roofing. It can be quite the irritant for some if they are not aware of this prior to installation.
Damage and Maintenance
Luckily, the level of work needed to maintain a metal or tin roof is quite minimal, especially when the roof was correctly installed by a professional. However, performing regular maintenance on your metal roof should not be overlooked. You should do the following throughout the year to help maintain the integrity of your metal roof:
- Clean off dirt, mildew and stains.
- Clean out gutters and rains (leaves, sticks and debris).
- Remove branches or sticks from the roof’s surface.
- Make sure there are no other metals or materials touching your roof.
Leaking
Speaking of metal roof damage, leaking can sometimes be an issue with steel roofs. And most of the time, it’s not even about the roofing material, more so about how the metal roof was installed.
Metal roofs with any exposed fasteners become particularly vulnerable to improper installation by contractors. If those screws attach through the flat surfaces (rather than the option of raised ridges), rainwater will run down the roof and leak into the screw holes, and thus into your home. But this can be avoided, talk to your contractor about how to seal the screws.
The bottom line is that most roofing materials have their advantages and flaws. It’s up to you, as a homeowner, to weigh your options, figure out your priorities, and make a list of what you can and cannot dispense of when it comes to installing a new roof in your home. Just be confident that the right metal roofing contractor will be able to advise you on the best options and also take care of the installation.